Teddy McKeachnie Whitesides

Teddy McKeachnie Whitesides, 80, passed away on March, 19, 2025 at Legacy Village of St, George surrounded by family and care takers.

Teddy was born on November 27th, 1944 in Vernal, Utah to Colton McKeachnie and Helen Fletcher McKeachnie and was the second of four children. She was raised in Vernal, Utah by loving parents that taught her how to work hard and care for others. One of her great joys was spending time with her family, farming and ranching. She excelled in school and graduated from Uintah High School in Vernal, Utah while serving in student government.

After graduation from high school, Teddy was offered and accepted an academic scholarship to Utah State University in Logan, Utah. She loved her time there. She became friends with Sharon Whitesides who set up mom on a blind date with her brother, Vaun Whitesides who had just returned from serving a LDS mission. It was love at first sight. A quick engagement followed by work to save to be married resulted in marriage in the Salt Lake City, Utah temple on December 19th, 1964 for time and all eternity. They were married for 54 years prior to dad’s passing. Dad was indeed the love of her life.

Shortly after the wedding, Teddy and Vaun moved back to Ogden, Utah to complete dad’s education at Weber State. Mom continued her education as well and loved to learn. She especially enjoyed classes on foods and nutrition. Upon completion of school they began an exciting journey that would take them to multiple states and wonderful adventures.

Mom had a wonderful career as well. She was a federal employee for over 30 years. She worked the majority of her time with the United States Department of Army. The position that she enjoyed the most was as a director of perscom helping station Lt. Colonels and Colonels all over the world. She loved not only her job but her opportunity to show her patriotism.

After living and working in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Alabama, Kansas, Virginia (Washington D.C.) mom and dad chose to come back to Utah and retire in Layton. She loved to see new places and loved the beauty of nature. Traveling the United States was a source of great joy for her.

Mom loved being a mother. It really was her greatest love in life. Mom and Dad raised three children in multiple states. Family was the most important thing to her. She sacrificed her time and means to make sure her children always knew how much she loved them.

Mom was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She loved to serve in any and all capacities. She served multiple times as Relief Society President. She found such great joy surrounding herself with others that loved Christ and Heavenly Father as she did. She always wanted everyone around her to know how much they were loved by their Father in heaven.

Later in life and during retirement she found a new joy in being a grandmother. If mom loved her kids she loved her grandkids even more. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren. She was overjoyed that she was able to meet her first great grandchild just a few months before her passing.

Mom leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and service. She was amazing in every way and will be missed greatly. She is survived by her children,Jason (Kristen) Whitesides, Maranee Parry, Camren (Mat) Watkins and her 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She is also survived by her brother Gayle Mckeachine (Kathlene) and Trent McKeachnie of Vernal, LeeAnn Honeycutt (Ken) of Orem.

She was preceded in death by her eternal companion Wallace Vaun Whitesides and her parents, Colton and Helen (Fletcher) McKeachnie.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday March 29th, 2025 at 10AM at Russon Mortuary, 1941 N. Main St. Farmington Utah. The family will receive visitors from 8:30 to 9:45am prior to the services. Interment, Farmington City Cemetery, 500 S 200E, Farmington, UT 84025